Ironing weakens next layer?
Hello!
Im currently trying to print a top hat shape, but the top face of the "brim" is a running surface so Id like it to be smooth. I engaged the ironing feature, which did an (almost) beautiful job, but the point at which this layer meets the next layer of the tube. the print fell apart in my hands. I tried the same print without ironing on and it is as strong as you would expect. Any idea whats causing this? is it ironing the whole layer or just the exposed surface?
Im Printing in PETG, and its breaking cleanly at the top of the brim.
Thanks!
David
RE: Ironing weakens next layer?
Without your project file to examine we cant tell if its ironing the whole layer. I'd say not on general knowledge as PS doesn't usually work that way for layers.
Ironing is a very problematic feature. It's one of the reasons the Dev's dragged their feet implementing it even though it was requested for years and years before they did.
See while its ironing the flow is very very low. The nozzle is also at full temp so you tend to 'cook' the filament. This can lead to issue when it starts to print 'normally' again. You often find that material is missing at the start of the next extrusion after a period of ironing.
For example see this closed issue on the PS github https://github.com/prusa3d/PrusaSlicer/issues/5904 (note the many linked issues inside that one). The current 'open' issue regarding this is https://github.com/prusa3d/PrusaSlicer/issues/5634
Basically ironing is a gimmick and should only be used on purely decorative parts. You want that surface smooth then post process it in the traditional manner. Save yourself much grief.
RE: Ironing weakens next layer?
I've just posted about in another topic about ironing the full layer, before the next one is printed above
i changed the gcode to do a full ironing, and guess what, the next layer didn't properly adhere on it. some small features where falling off the print.
don't know if is petg related, as i'm printing petg also.
will keep using the standard way for now (no ironing on part where is layer above it) until can test more.
Ironing packs the layer down to get a particularly smooth finish - so any layer above it is less squished and doesn't adhere well; you are introducing an interlayer weakness.
Cheerio,